This blog was updated on 11 March 2025, for more information connect with our team: https://www.easystore.co/contact 

Does the Free Gift Culture Work for Online Businesses?

It’s common to walk into a retail store and receive discounts, price cuts, or even free gifts. After all, everyone loves a good deal! 

The goal is to make customers happy and encourage them to return. But does this same strategy work in an online business?

If you’re considering bringing this culture online, it may or may not be effective. Let’s break it down:

Why It Works

1. Encourages Repeat Customers

When customers receive a free gift that meets their expectations, they’re more likely to return. However, keep in mind that their expectations will only grow with each purchase.

2. Leads to Positive Testimonials

Customer reviews are crucial for online sellers. The more discounts and free gifts you provide, the better the testimonials. 

Positive word-of-mouth can attract new buyers—just like how Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) thrives on referrals.

Why It Doesn’t Work

1. Increases Customer Expectations

Sellers often start with small gifts like pens or earrings, but customers may expect something bigger next time. 

If a buyer expects a laptop table as a free gift for purchasing two notebooks but only receives a pencil case, they may feel disappointed and complain about poor service.

2. Referral Customers Expect the Same Perks

When testimonials work, they attract new customers. However, these buyers might assume they’ll receive the same discounts or free gifts as their friends. 

Without a proper system in place, managing these expectations can become challenging—especially if you’re handling orders via mobile communication.

Should You Stop Offering Free Gifts?

Not at all! But to make it sustainable, transition to a structured online selling system. 

A shopping cart system allows you to control pricing, discounts, and free gifts—without leaving room for negotiation. 

Ultimately, providing excellent customer service is what ensures long-term success in online sales.

Make Customers Love Buying From You

EasyStore empowers your brand to prioritize customers and enhance their experience, creating a unified customer experience (UCX) that makes customers love buying from you.

Over 50,000 brands have grown their businesses by embracing unified customer experiences (UCX) strategy through EasyStore across multiple sales channels - online store, retail outlets, marketplaces, and social media, ensuring consistency in product and service offerings for a seamless shopping journey.